Legarda: PAGASA Modernization Act Enactment, A Triumph for the Nation

Senator Loren Legarda hailed the enactment of Republic Act No. 10692 or the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Modernization Act of 2015, which effectively funds the enhancement of the state bureau’s capability in providing services to protect the people and the environment and to ensure economic security against natural hazards.

Legarda, principal author of the bill at the Senate said, “More lives would be saved because of RA 10692. PAGASA has done a lot for the country with limited funding and they could do much better as the government empowers them with better technology.”

Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and UN Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for the Asia-Pacific, said that investing in PAGASA will secure the safety and well-being of our people and contribute to national progress.

“As climate change and its detrimental effects progress, I am confident that with better weather forecasting and monitoring, we will be more prepared in dealing with natural hazards, thereby preventing loss of lives and properties,” she said.

The PAGASA Modernization Act mandates the upgrade of physical resources and operational techniques through the acquisition of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment and facilities to improve capabilities in providing timely and reliable forecasting across the country.

It also includes the enhancement of research and development capability; establishment of regional weather service centers and PAGASA Data Center; enhancement of weather data collection and information dissemination services; creation of a human resource development program, particularly new salary scale for PAGASA personnel, and development of collaborative arrangements with relevant regional and international bodies and government institutions to complement the national effort for modernization.

“I look forward to what PAGASA can do as we move forward with this development. I salute the scientists and government workers who have toiled in the bureau tirelessly to serve the nation. The enactment of the PAGASA Modernization Act is a triumph I share with them,” Legarda concluded.